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“You’re going to love Marlborough”
Population: 44,000
This place has everything from the world famous Queen Charlotte Sounds, Pelorus and Kenepuru Sounds and some of the world’s best tramping/hiking. It is perhaps best known for its world-class wines. Sauvignon Blanc is highly recommended!
Breathtaking views, rare birds, penguins, dolphins and many more can be viewed at ease in this region and Blenheim which is the regions main town has a reasonable but small motor industry sector. Activities are just too numerous to list in full detail but range from boating to fishing both freshwater and sea fishing, kayaking, Crafts, visiting world-class vineyards [this could take weeks by itself]. World class tramping, scuba diving, crayfish or paua collecting, Site seeing, visiting beautiful beaches, cafes, parachuting, scenic flights or even popping over to Wellington via the Picton ferry for a weekend.
One negative is that the wine growing industry is booming so significantly in Blenheim this is that the local council recently noted that 5 homes a week will need to be built leading up to the peak population in 2024. I think this is somewhat of a conservative estimate because the region is starting to get noticed. The upside is that if you can get into this area, properties are ridiculously cheap and the lifestyle is unbeatable.
Not far from Blenheim is Picton 30 minutes to the North which is a docking point for the Inter-Islander ferry, a drive along Queen Charlotte Drive to Havelock and onto Nelson is highly recommended. To the south of Blenheim after driving through majestic mountainous scenery you get to the Kaikoura coast which eventually leads to Kaikoura township where you can take a boat trip out to see the Giant Sperm whales. Apparently, they are in residence all year round. Humpback, Southern Right and Blue whales are frequent visitors which dive into the 2km deep abyss of the Kaikoura Canyon.
Whether you are a new migrant coming to NZ or a resident of New Zealand make sure you visit Marlborough and surrounding areas. Even if you’re not lucky enough to secure employment in this region, this is one place you should see.
The main areas of employment here are in the farm machinery sector due to an unprecedented number of wineries. Another major industry is the Aqua Culture Industry and if you’re lucky enough to be in nearby Havelock, population approximately 800 and counting during the Mussel festival you are in for a great weekend. The occasional role for a marine technician surfaces in Havelock due to the fantastic boating in the region.
Many dealerships in the region also look for skills such as sales staff, automotive technicians and more so this is an area worth considering.